Top Events to Catch During Austin’s Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix Weekend
Concerts, food and more to explore in the days surrounding the races at COTA
The highly anticipated Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix returns to Austin’s Circuit of the Americas from Friday to Sunday, Oct. 18-20. In addition to the thrilling race, fans can enjoy a wide range of experiences throughout the weekend.
With over 400,000 attendees expected, this year’s event will continue to build on the sport’s growing popularity. From a diverse selection of chart-topping musical acts to upscale chef tastings and other exhilarating activities, here are our picks for different thrills to catch at COTA and all over town this weekend.
F1 Live Music & Parties:
Sting
Oct. 18
One of the most anticipated performances at COTA this weekend is by the legendary artist Sting. The 17-time Grammy Award-winning musician, known for his iconic solo career and time with The Police, will headline the Germania Insurance Super Stage on Friday. Fans can expect to hear timeless hits like “Every Breath You Take” and “Fields of Gold.” This concert is included with your Friday F1 admission.
Eminem
Oct. 19
Saturday’s headliner at COTA is none other than rap icon Eminem. The 15-time Grammy Award winner and one of the best-selling artists of all time will take the Germania Insurance Super Stage for a high-energy performance. Fans can expect to hear chart-topping hits like “Lose Yourself,” “Stan,” and “Without Me.” This concert is included with your Saturday F1 admission.
Austin Bands for Austin Fans
Oct. 18–20
The American Soundtrack lineup at the U.S. Grand Prix will bring a diverse array of musical talent to COTA. Local favorites like the country-blues fusion of Mayeux & Broussard, the art pop sounds of Jane Leo, and the psychedelic cumbia of El Combo Oscuro will perform at the Fan Field and La Cantina stages. Highlights include a set from Tejana singer Stephanie Bergara with her Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda, and a performance by the Latin-infused psych-rock band Volcán. Fans can enjoy these shows all weekend, with access included in their F1 admission. To view the full schedule, visit the website here.
The I / AM Experience by Aston Martin Aramco
Oct. 19
Join Aston Martin Aramco during the United States Grand Prix at SKYBOX on 6th. Fans can enjoy a thrilling day of F1 action, meet-and-greets with team members and drivers, a live DJ set, and an evening afterparty. The event is free to attend through a lottery system upon registration, with winners notified by October 16. Refreshments, team merchandise, and more are included.
Jack’s Garage: Austin
Oct. 19
Jack Daniel’s is hosting an F1 experience at The Sunset Room on Saturday, October 19, featuring live performances by Grammy-winning country duo Brothers Osborne and rising star Shaboozey. Guests can enjoy classic Jack Daniel’s cocktails, Southern BBQ, and unique activities like customizing Levi’s denim shirts and creating personalized charm bracelets at the Wearable Chain Welding Station. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the event is 21+ with RSVP required.
Diplo
Oct. 20
Cap off your F1 weekend with a DJ performance by Diplo presented by Wynn Nightlife on October 20, at 10 p.m. at Mayfair. General admission tickets are available for $120. For more information and ticket options, visit the event website.
Two Friends
Oct. 20
Close out the F1 weekend at COTA’s Germania Insurance Amphitheater with a post-race performance by the dynamic duo Two Friends. Matt Halper and Eli Sones of Two Friends have become leading figures in electronic music, known for their viral Big Bootie Mix series and collaborations with artists like Bebe Rexha and Cheat Codes. Fans can expect an energetic live show, free for race ticket holders starting at 4:30 p.m.
Food Happenings:
Garrison Big Race Dinner Series
Oct. 17–19
Partake in a gourmet feast at the Fairmont Austin’s fine-dining concept, Garrison. The hotel restaurant will offer guests a seven-course Chef’s Tasting Menu over the weekend led by Garrison’s Executive Chef John Satterfield. This elevated meal is priced at $195 for the tasting menu, plus an additional $150 for wine pairing. Reservations are recommended and can be made through OpenTable or by calling 512-600-2000.
COTA Culinary Experience
Oct. 18–20
Epicures are in for a treat with this weekend-long experience of the best food you can find in Austin, all brought to one place — out at Circuit of the Americas. More than 30 different restaurants and chefs will bring bites for the crowds, offering fans a taste of Texas. Try a selection of Texas BBQ, tacos, ice cream, french fries and whatever else your heart may desire.
F1 Race Fan Entertainment:
Williams Racing Austin Fan Zone
Oct. 14-20
The Williams Racing Fan Zone returns all week in the heart of Downtown Austin at 800 Congress for a star-studded line-up of appearances, car shows, prize giveaways, and more. F1 fans can expect a fun-filled week at the Fan Zone and to stay up to date on announcements, download the official Williams Racing app.
ByGeorge x +44 by Lewis Hamilton at ByGeorge Collection Release
Oct. 17-20
Lewis Hamilton’s brand +44 will launch a limited-edition capsule collection, “MX TX,” at ByGeorge on South Congress from October 17-20. The collection, inspired by the 1990s U.S. motocross scene, features bold, nostalgic designs like arched logos, neon graphics, and vintage nods to Texas. Highlights include a Race Jacket with Hamilton’s quote “Still We Rise” and a t-shirt featuring a vintage photo of Hamilton. Fans can also find exclusive accessories, including a neon rally towel and checkerboard bandana.
American Express Fan Experience
Oct. 18-20
American Express is enhancing the fan experience at the U.S. Grand Prix with interactive activities and exclusive perks for Card Members. In the F1 Fan Zone, all fans can participate in a driver evaluation with a virtual team principal, design their own F1 car livery with Austin artists, and create personalized driver intro videos. Race weekend essentials like misting fans and cooling towels will be available. Card Members also get exclusive access to the iconic COTA Tower for two-hour viewing sessions each day and can visit the new Amex Pit Stop Experience for additional race-day essentials.
Levi’s x McLaren Racing
Oct. 18-19
Complex will host an open-to-the-public event in Austin on October 18-19 to celebrate the release of the Levi’s x McLaren “The Modern Era” collection during the F1 Grand Prix. The event at 1209 E. Cesar Chavez St. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. will feature an interactive experience, offering exclusive access to the collection and on-site customization options, including patches, embroidery, and screen-print designs. Visual artist Jacob Rochester will hand-personalize items on October 18.
Off-Track at the Track: Entertainment at the USGP
Oct. 18–20
During the U.S. Grand Prix weekend, explore four interactive villages at Circuit of the Americas, offering live music, food, and unique experiences. At Biergarten (Turn 2), enjoy German heritage with polka tunes from Der Klein Steins, folk dancing, and classic Bavarian brews and bratwurst. La Cantina (Turn 6) celebrates Mexican-American culture with live performances, Tex-Mex cuisine, and Lucha Libre wrestling. At Lonestar Land (near Turn 2), fans can enjoy BBQ from local pitmasters, line dancing, and tattoos at the Lonestar Tattoo Saloon. For a Wild West twist, The Ranch (Infield) features Texas tourism booths, F1-themed manicures, and custom COTA cowboy hats.
Mercedes-Benz Race Day Pit Stop
Oct. 19-20
Mercedes-Benz USA will bring a race day experience to Austin during the 2024 United States Grand Prix with “Race Day Austin,” a public event at Jo’s Coffee on South Congress Avenue from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on October 19 and 20. Celebrating 130 years of motorsport, the event will showcase a range of Mercedes-AMG models, including the Mercedes-AMG F1 W15 and the all-electric G 580. Fans can watch the race live, participate in an F1 simulator challenge, and browse exclusive Mercedes-AMG merchandise. RSVP here.
Haas Hangout
Oct. 19
Join the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team for an exclusive trackside barbeque at the Champions Club on Saturday, Oct. 19. Fans will have the chance to meet drivers Kevin Magnussen, Nico Hülkenberg, Pietro Fittipaldi, and Ayao Komatsu, who will stop by for a chat. Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages while mingling with fellow F1 enthusiasts. Tickets for this event are available for purchase.
Sports Illustrated Circuit Series
Oct. 19
The Sports Illustrated Circuit Series will take over Austin’s Superstition nightclub on Saturday night in partnership with Circuit of The Americas. The event features live performances from headliner Loud Luxury and DJ Vice, kicking off at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $35, and attendees must be 21 or older.